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hatersaurusrex t1_jdt3fsa wrote

This article is interesting because it shows how innovative and foundational Greek immigrants were in creating some of our favorite foods - most especially when they're clueless about what the food in question should taste like so they just wing it.

Similar stories:

The Detroit Coney Dog was created by two Greek brothers who had been to Coney Island and eaten hot dogs there and wanted to create something similar in Detroit. They created the now legendary 'Coney Sauce' which is a delicious saucy chili topping, added onions and cheese and bingo - a classic is born.

Charlie Vergos was another Greek immigrant in Memphis who famously found an old coal chute in the basement of his restaurant and wanted to cook BBQ pork ribs in it. But he had no idea what they were supposed to taste like, so he just sprinkled dry seasonings on them, smoked them and hoped for the best - and Memphis-Style dry rub ribs were born.

I always get a kick out of these stories because it's clear these dudes could and did innovate wonderful things but don't really get the credit they deserve for it.

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Derekd88 t1_jdt6t4r wrote

There’s two types of people in this world. people who are Greek and people who wish they were Greek.

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DarthGuber t1_jdt9z93 wrote

What about people who have some Greek heritage but wish they were more enculturated?

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Derekd88 t1_jdtdud6 wrote

give me any word I will show you the root of the word comes from Greek !

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SeanG909 t1_jdvjjup wrote

I have never read a 'two kinds of people' adage that was more untrue.

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LadyBug_0570 t1_jdwi67q wrote

You've also clearly never seenMy Big Fat Greek wedding, which is what the poster quoted.

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CrieDeCoeur t1_jduqyjy wrote

Thumbs up. I swear, every restaurant in my city that has really good food, big portions, and super friendly service is owned and operated by Greeks. And only a handful of them are actually serving ethnic Greek cuisine. The rest are just really kickass diners and family places.

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fridayfridayjones t1_jdvdnw0 wrote

The best diners I’ve ever eaten at were owned by little old Greek people. I used to go to one in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and the little old lady who owned it would pinch my arm and tell me to eat more because I was too skinny. I still miss that place.

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Groundbreaking_War52 t1_jdv8ld9 wrote

Don't forget Tom Carvel and the invention of soft serve ice cream.

Cincinnati-style chili - also from Greeks (although some would argue that isn't something to be proud of...)

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jopnk t1_jdvq484 wrote

I’ll defend cinci coneys til I die. But you can fuck right off if you put that pig slop on spaghetti

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ZylonBane t1_jdwmv3g wrote

What I've realized now is that Greeks are to blame for both pineapple on pizza and Cincinnati chili. There will be a reckoning.

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kagoolx t1_jdul29i wrote

That’s awesome. Also inspiring as it shows how much awesome stuff can come from a bit of creativity and winging it

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